“Samuel, 33, was due a $3.5 million base salary plus up to $1 million in per game roster bonuses in 2014, the final season of the restructured contract he signed to facilitate a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles in April 2012.”

An aging cornerback doesn’t always hold value around the NFL. Samuel should draw some interest around the league, though.

Quentin Jammer and Terence Newman both signed short-term deals in the past two off-seasons. Each was a year older than Samuel currently is when they signed those contracts.

Playoff-caliber teams that require depth at cornerback could be interested in an one-year deal with Samuels. The Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and even the New England Patriots are all possibilities. Samuel also has a history with Carolina Panthers’ defensive coordinator Sean McDermott during their years together with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Whatever teams discuss the possibility of signing Samuel will understand he’s a diminishing player. One of the reasons the Falcons released the veteran cornerback is due to having better and younger options on the roster in Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford.

Samuel struggled last season, but he may have one or two more years left in his career. And his experience — all 135 career starts — is an invaluable asset.

When QBs threw at Asante Samuel last year, they had a passer rating of 113.7. 12th worst for CBs. Had been much better in previous years.